On the heels of a tough loss to in-state rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl at home, Auburn fans not only graded their team's performance (almost across the board) higher than Alabama fans graded theirs, but also glowed with pride in the comments of this week's report card.

Four groups earned more than half 'A' grades from participants, including coaching, and 63 percent of respondents gave the defensive line, who held Heisman Trophy hopeful Mark Ingram to just 30 rushing yards on the day, a solid 'A' for their effort. Some respondents called the 2009 Iron Bowl the Tigers' best game of the year.

"We played great, and I am so proud of the guys for the amazing effort today. They laid their guts on the line, and exposed the Pretender that wants us to think they are a true contender. War Eagle, and I hope Saban's priest can cleanse him of his blasphemy (G.D.) language he used today. Classless, is my opinion. "

"Why did we give up on the offensive creativity?"

"They played their best game of the year and left nothing on the field. Most of the mistakes were effort mistakes. No complaints. They held "Mighty Bama" to less than 100 yards rushing. Best defensive performance of the year."

"This team made me PROUD to be an AUBURN TIGER! WDE!"

"Classic game--one of the best iron bowls ever."

"I guess if you like to believe in moral victories, this was one. Good effort, just not enough horsepower."

"Everyone watching knew that Auburn would get the ball back with a minute or so to go. Why didn't the coaching staff realize that and have some plays ready (sideline and deep). Dang, what a waste."

"The best team effort by Auburn all year. Played hard for 60 minutes. Just didn't have any offense left by the fourth quarter. You made us proud today, guys."

"Auburn took the Tide to the last play, so you can't ask for a more exciting game. To win the game, AU needed at least one turnover, but did not get one. Hard to understand the one-side losses against Ark and LSU. The program appears headed in the right direction."

"Coaching lost this game after having a chance to win it. Changed from aggressive to passive. Defense on final Bama drive went to 'prevent', which historically only LOSES games!! Clock management at the end was abysmal!!"

"Best game of the season. Outside of the complete failure of the last 1:14 of the game, I was very proud of our Tigers."

"Auburn did great. There is no way to criticize them in this game. Bama just pulled it out in the end. "

"Amazing effort for a team so thin and young. Auburn was overmatched personnel-wise in almost every position but our game preparation and coaching was excellent. Will be exciting to see what this coaching staff will be able to do with a full hand. "

"Let this be one of life's learning lessons. You don't have to go and spend 4.5 million dollars on a coach to rebuild a team. You can't buy heart. And Auburn has it. Look out here we come!"